Above: Robert Ghielen, Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 competitor for Team Netherlands, and his service dog, Laslo. (Robert Ghielen photo)
Among the 500 competitors from 21 countries for the Invictus Games this week in Düsseldorf, Germany, will be a canine kind – 13 service dogs who give each waking moment to protect, strengthen and inspire their owners, on and off the field.
For four of these owners, the bond with their service dogs has not only helped them heal and strengthen their resolve when experiencing PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) from prior years of service, but it’s created life-long companionship and a strong conviction that holds true to the principles underlying Invictus, meaning unconquered.
“My dog, Loki, whom I helped to certify as an assistance dog, accompanied and supported me in my rehabilitation and fighting my way back to a life where I can cope with my PTSD symptoms,” said Steffi Schenke, former Invictus Games competitor for Team Germany in 2017 and 2018. (Steffi Schenke photo)
Steffi and Loki
Schenke said Loki loves to meet people and travel, and he’s so well-behaved that he once listened to a “sit” from Prince Harry. Pictured from left: Steffi Schenke, past Invictus Games competitor; Lorraine Große-Frintrop past competitor and gold medalist; Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Prince Harry founded and organized the first event, Invictus Games London 2014, and is Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation. (Invictus Games Foundation photo)
Eight-year old boxer mix, Loki, started off life with abuse and neglect. Rescued by former Invictus Games competitor Steffi Schenke from Team Germany, Loki and Schenke learned together how to manage triggering situations caused by past trauma.
Now Loki is a trained service dog, devoted to making his owner happy and relaxed. Dubbed the unofficial mascot of the German Invictus Games team, Loki has his own Instagram page.
“Before getting Loki, I had been suffering from PTSD for approximately one year,” said Schenke, who is now part of the medical services team for this year’s Games. “Taking him to dog school and practicing together helped me a lot. I was forced to go outside and the intense training distracted me. I had to learn to control my emotions because Loki mirrored me, and that was not good for his training. Now I take him everywhere – to doctor's appointments, services, and on trips. We’re inseparable.”
Alex and hero
When he isn’t working as a service dog, Hero loves to play freely, with other dogs and with his ball. (Dutch Ministry of Defence photo)
One doesn’t need a cape to be a superhero, but having four paws may help.
Five-year old Hero, service dog for Dutch Invictus Games competitor Alex Vogels, has been invaluable at keeping Vogels’ life on track. The go-lucky dog has a happy demeanor while always focusing on his owner.
“Hero helps prevent any PTSD nightmares by waking me up,” said Vogels, referring to his three-year old canine companion. “When my tension builds up, Hero tugs the leash to ‘pull’ me out of the situation.”
Vogels highly recommends other countries who stand for freedom to train service dogs for their veterans who need it. “Hero can literally stand between me and other people to create some distance, which can make it more conducive for me to go outside and interact with others,” he said. “He’s a real Hero!”
Joyce and Rhône
Former Invictus Games competitor Joyce van den Waardenburg describes Rhône, a seven-year old black Labrador, as a dog who likes everybody and cares about everyone. “Without Rhône, I wouldn’t be standing where I am today,“ said van den Waardenburg. (Invictus Games Foundation photo)
At Invictus Games Sydney 2018, former competitor Joyce van den Waardenburg had one goal: to swim without having a panic attack.
She achieved this goal alongside her support dog, Rhône, who stayed beside the pool during her workouts. The now seven-year old Labrador continues her devotion to van den Waardenburg, helping her sleep more soundly and improving her mood when needed.
“Thanks to Rhône, I’ve been medicine-free now for a year, and I’m working again at a full-time job,” said van den Waardenburg.
According to van den Waardenburg, Rhône likes everybody and cares about everyone around her.
“Once she comforted a member of the media team who was having a stressful day by lying at her feet and cuddling with her,” said van den Waardenburg, recalling a situation during last year’s Games in The Hague, Netherlands. “She was amazed that Rhône had picked up on her anxiety. After spending time with Rhône, she was instantly destressed.”
Van den Waardenburg is looking forward to competing in a future Invictus Games. “It’s a great opportunity to show others that even though you may go through a rough time, there is light at the end of the tunnel,” she said.
Robert and Laslo
Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 competitor Robert Ghielen says his service dog, Laslo, takes him to a quieter place when recurring PTSD symptoms arise, by distracting his attention or by cuddling or playing. (Robert Ghielen photo)
From the start, Laslo, a young Labrador, and Robert Ghielen, competitor at the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 for Team Netherlands, were a perfect match.
Now, according to Ghielen, they’ve been a “top team” for four years. Laslo continues to create a safe zone around Ghielen, waking him up from nightmares and distracting him if he becomes preoccupied with PTSD in his mind.
“Laslo copies my behavior,” Ghielen said. “If he notices that I’m too busy in my head, he lets me know that I need slow down and become calmer. He is my mirror, my same self. Just his look is enough for me. I now know him through and through, and he me.”
“Thanks to Laslo, I'm here, I can participate in the Games this year,” he said. “Thanks to my canine buddy, my family and I have a piece of "daddy" back, and I can participate in something again. I matter.”
The big picture:
- Boeing’s role as the Presenting Partner of Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 reflects Boeing’s global commitment to the rehabilitation of physically and mentally wounded, injured and sick military personnel and veterans, and their families.
- Boeing Global Engagement supports a number of service dog organizations, including Warrior Canine Connection in Maryland, and Citadel Therapy Canine Society and Veterans Elite Canines in Canada.
Go deeper:
- Follow the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 this week
- More about Boeing as Presenting Partner
By Kathy Spicer